Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec: At the Circus Fernando: The Ringmaster (1887-88)

The circus has been a source of creative expression for many artists. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, a late 19th century Post-Impressionist painter, used can-can girls, acrobats and circus life as subject matter for several studies. This choice of subject matter allowed him to capture facial expression and perspective that offered an investigation into our grotesque and awkward nature. At the Circus Fernando: The Ringmaster (1888) Toulouse-Lautrec rendered a painting that examined human-animal relationship. The gnarled facial expression of the ringmaster makes the viewer speculate on the extension of his whip; to the pointed stare of the acrobat riding side saddle and to the horse with head down galloping to please.

We may ask: How are we the circus leader? The acrobat? What is our relationship to animal? Of where are we the center of our circus?

At the Circus Fernando: The Ringmaster (1887-88) is part of a permanent collection at The Art Institute of Chicago.

Bruce C. Ditata is a retired teacher of Moderate Special Needs. He spent thirty years in the profession and, currently, retains a link with children through part-time work as a tutor.

“Our profession is now under siege. Teachers and their unions are increasingly being made to be scapegoats for everything that is perceived to be wrong with public education. Those of us who know that teachers are major parts of the solution, not the problem in education should be empowered to be the true reformers.

As schools open across America it is apropos to write about what it means to be a teacher of children, the importance of what you do, and your determination to do what is best for your students, first and foremost.

The greatest common link in the teaching profession- the dynamic that sets it apart from all other endeavors- is the ability of one teacher to make a difference in children’s lives. It is done one kid at a time over the course of a year and can reveal itself in many ways- an understanding smile, a nurturing glance, a timely intervention… The effects can change a life and last a lifetime. These moments are created in the crucible that is a classroom. Each one of us aspires to make things better for our students; and for them we serve as role models and confidantes, as well as pedagogues. This is our purpose, our raison d’etre.

Few administrators can properly judge what we bring to the table each day. A good administrator can sense that we possess a skill set, that we are team-oriented, that we want not only to educate our students, but that we, also, care about them. But it is not necessary that we convince our superiors that we are doing the best we can each day. It is enough that we know this fact ourselves.

No member of our teaching team, no chairperson, no department head-each one of them- by the way, with potential hidden agendas that might not have anything to do with best practices in the classroom- has the right to cast aspersions on our willingness to do what’s best (in our hearts) for our students. They might try to divert our attention with their petty jealousies or bureaucratic red tape, but they will not succeed.

We know why we teach. We understand our craft. We seek good and better ways to unpack the learning standards for our classes. We engage in professional development to enhance our pedagogy. Our sense of self as good teachers is secure.

We get up each day and the face in the glass tells us it is so.”

]]>https://sownseeds.com/2013/09/03/homily-for-teaching/feed/0books1remixvintagebooks1Leadership and Commitment in Educationhttps://sownseeds.com/2013/09/03/leadership-and-commitment-in-education/
https://sownseeds.com/2013/09/03/leadership-and-commitment-in-education/#respondTue, 03 Sep 2013 16:37:10 +0000http://sownseeds.com/?p=295“I believe every child deserves the best. This is what we are working for.” Hilario Campista, Co-Founder

San Felipe, BC, MX is a small fishing village by the sea of Cortez. Its population is small but its commitment to improve the quality of life for its inhabitants, especially its children, is great. The San Felipe United for Education Foundation—Fundación San Felipe Unidos Por La Educación— was founded with a sole mission to teach children English. Basic school supplies, backpacks, notebooks, and pencils, are needed to help the children in the classroom. However, two of its founders, Benjamin Hilario Campista and Bertha Lizzaralde, provide more than that. They offer leadership to children that need direction in life. Its student base is growing. The foundation’s commitment to education is reflected in the smiles of appreciative children awaiting the opportunity to learn. To witness the impact that dedicated individuals are making on the lives of children in the small town of San Felipe, BC, MX, visit their website, www.sanfelipeunitedforeducation.org.

Support Fundación San Felipe Unidos Por La Educación.

Our lighthouse shines on every child of our beautiful community. This light does not distinguish form, gender, religion, ideas,political views or race. It only travels and shines in the name of love and education. It is time to unify.